Are There Bullfrogs in New Hampshire?
Yes, bullfrogs are found throughout New Hampshire in suitable wetland and aquatic habitats. These large frogs thrive in ponds, marshes, shallow lakes, and protected water bodies where they can breed and feed. Summer evenings in New Hampshire wetlands often echo with the distinctive deep calls of male bullfrogs.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated August 6, 2026.
Yes, bullfrogs are found throughout New Hampshire in suitable wetland and aquatic habitats. These large frogs thrive in ponds, marshes, shallow lakes, and protected water bodies where they can breed and feed. Summer evenings in New Hampshire wetlands often echo with the distinctive deep calls of male bullfrogs.
Where in New Hampshire Bullfrogs Are Found
Bullfrogs are distributed throughout New Hampshire, from coastal areas to inland lakes and mountain valleys. The Great Bay Estuary and its associated marshes support significant bullfrog populations. Lakes such as Winnisquam Lake, Winnipesaukee Lake, and Sunapee Lake have established bullfrogs in their shallower margins and inlet areas. The Connecticut River valley, particularly the oxbow areas and backwater swamps, provides excellent habitat. White Mountains foothills have suitable bullfrog habitat in lower-elevation ponds and wetlands. The Merrimack River system supports bullfrogs in suitable sections. Smaller lakes and ponds throughout the state, particularly those with extensive marsh vegetation, harbor bullfrogs. Northeastern wetland complexes have strong populations. Visit/wildlife/new-hampshireto explore New Hampshire's diverse wetland ecosystems and amphibian communities. Bullfrogs can be found wherever permanent water with suitable depth and vegetation exists. Seethe Bullfrog guide for New Hampshirefor more.
Season and Timing of Bullfrogs in New Hampshire
Bullfrogs in New Hampshire breed from May through August, with peak calling activity in June and July during warm, humid evenings. Males establish territories and begin calling as water temperatures warm in late spring, typically not until May in New Hampshire's cooler climate. The northern location means water warming occurs later than in more southern states. Tadpoles develop throughout the summer and fall, with many requiring two years to complete metamorphosis, a longer development period than in warmer regions. Some tadpoles may overwinter and complete their transformation the following spring. As autumn approaches and water temperatures drop through September and October, bullfrogs retreat to deeper water where they become dormant. Winter survival depends on finding ice-free refugia beneath the ice cover that forms on New Hampshire's lakes and ponds. Spring emergence is gradual, with males not beginning calls until water temperatures stabilize in May. Check/wildlife/new-hampshire/bullfrogfor the best seasons to observe these fascinating amphibians. Seethe New Hampshire wildlife guidefor more.
How to Identify a Bullfrog
Bullfrogs are New Hampshire's largest native frog species, reaching four to eight inches in length, noticeably larger than most other state frogs. Their skin is smooth and typically green to olive-brown in color, sometimes with darker blotches or patterns. The most distinctive feature is the large circular tympanum or ear drum behind each eye, approximately equal in size to the eye itself. Males develop a yellowish throat during breeding season and are generally larger than females. Their hind legs are exceptionally muscular and powerful, built for long jumps and rapid swimming through water. The distinctive deep call sounds like 'jug-o-rum' or 'jug-o-roo,' an unmistakable sound that echoes across New Hampshire wetlands during breeding season. Bullfrogs lack the prominent ridges and bumpy texture of toads and tree frogs. Their overall useful appearance and size make them relatively easy to identify among New Hampshire's amphibian species.
Where Bullfrog Sightings Concentrate in New Hampshire
Bullfrogs concentrate in permanent water bodies with abundant emergent vegetation like cattails, bulrushes, and water lilies that provide cover and hunting habitat. Shallow lake margins and bays are prime bullfrog habitat throughout New Hampshire. The vegetated margins of Great Bay provide excellent habitat for bullfrogs. Oxbow swamps along the Connecticut River support strong populations. Beaver ponds and restored wetlands throughout the state, particularly those with stable water levels and good vegetation, harbor bullfrogs. Freshwater marshes and extensive wetland complexes are ideal habitat. Farm ponds and private water bodies with good vegetation often support bullfrogs. The densest concentrations occur in areas with moderate water temperatures and abundant plant growth./wildlifeoffers resources for responsible wildlife observation in New Hampshire's natural areas.
Typical Bullfrog Behavior in New Hampshire
Bullfrogs are ambush predators that hunt by sitting motionless at the water's edge or in shallow water, suddenly lunging at passing prey. They feed on aquatic insects, smaller frogs and tadpoles, crayfish, and occasionally small aquatic vertebrates including small snakes and birds. Males are highly territorial during breeding season and aggressively defend their calling sites against rival males, engaging in wrestling and display behaviors. Territory size extends a few yards around a male's preferred calling location. Bullfrogs are primarily nocturnal hunters but may forage during the day in cooler weather. They are strong swimmers that navigate through weeds and submerged structure efficiently. When threatened, bullfrogs produce a loud startled cry and leap rapidly away from danger. Tadpoles are herbivorous, grazing on algae and aquatic plants and can grow quite large before transforming into froglets. Their predatory nature makes them important members of New Hampshire's aquatic food webs.
Coexistence and Safety Notes
Bullfrogs are native to New Hampshire and are fully protected by state wildlife regulations. They cannot be captured or harmed without proper permits. Bullfrogs are generally harmless to humans, though their powerful legs and sharp teeth can cause minor injuries if handled roughly. They are an important food source for various wading birds, herons, snakes, and mammals throughout New Hampshire. The presence of bullfrogs in New Hampshire wetlands indicates healthy aquatic ecosystems with sufficient permanent water and vegetation. When visiting wetland areas, always stay on designated trails and avoid disturbing calling males during breeding season, which interferes with breeding success. Their distinctive vocalizations are a normal and beneficial part of New Hampshire's natural soundscape during summer months. Respect these native amphibians as part of New Hampshire's wildlife heritage and natural biodiversity.
Common Species People Confuse with Bullfrogs
The Green Frog is the species most often confused with bullfrogs, as it is also large and green. However, Green Frogs have prominent ridges running down their sides, which bullfrogs lack. Green Frogs also have a smaller tympanum relative to eye size and produce a distinctly different call. The Northern Leopard Frog is spotted rather than solid green and lacks the bullfrog's large circular ear. The Wood Frog is much smaller and has a distinctive dark face mask. The American Toad, while reaching moderate size, is bumpy and wart-covered, not smooth like bullfrogs. The Carpenter Frog is found in southern New Hampshire and is much smaller than bullfrogs. The Spring Peeper is tiny compared to bullfrogs and makes a very different call. Learning these distinguishing features helps correctly identify bullfrogs from other New Hampshire amphibians.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bullfrogs
Q: What do bullfrogs eat in New Hampshire? A: Bullfrogs eat aquatic insects, smaller frogs including tadpoles, crayfish, small snakes, and occasionally small birds or mammals. They are opportunistic predators. Q: How do bullfrogs survive New Hampshire winters? A: Bullfrogs remain dormant beneath lake and pond ice, in mud, or in unfrozen spring-fed areas throughout the winter. Q: Why do bullfrogs call so loudly? A: Male bullfrogs call to establish and defend territory and to attract females during breeding season. The deep calls carry far across water. Q: When is the best time to hear bullfrogs? A: Bullfrogs call during warm evenings from late May through August, with peak activity in June and July.
More places to see bullfrog
More wildlife in New Hampshire